The most important considerations to take into account when picking the plants for your container garden are size and needs. For best results, pick plants that are between 2 and 6 inches in height, and select plants that have similar care requirements such as light and water. For example, while a jade plant requires a bit more water and can tolerate far less sunlight than a sempervivum or “hen-and-chicks” plant, if you want the two to live together, you must find a suitable environment as well as watering schedule that works for both and won’t stress either of them. Below are some hardy succulents that thrive in container gardens, have similar care requirements, and can usually live harmoniously with one another

The donkey's tail is best planted in a hanging container, or in a stairway arrangement at the top, as this plant will cascade over the edge of the pot. A native of Mexico, this plant shoots sprays of light gray-green or gray-blue leaves that may grow up to 3 feet long. Although the donkey's tail is cultivated primarily for its foliage and rarely blooms, you may get lucky and see bright pink or red flowers appear during summer. The leaves are very delicate and may fall off with even a light touch, so protect the plant from being disturbed by children or pets. Direct sunlight may cause sunburn and should be avoided.

The jade plant is a popular favorite known for its miniature tree-like appearance, its plump, glossy leaves that are usually dark, bright green, and in some cases may be tinged with reddish color at the tips and edges. The jade plant may become top-heavy and may need to be pruned occasionally to allow room for its neighbors in the container. In summer it may produce small pink or white flowers.

Sempervivum literally translates to "lives forever" because these plants grow and propagate so easily and tolerate both drought and cold. These succulents are known by many names, such as semps, hens-and-chicks, or houseleeks, and there are over 50 species and 3,000 cultivars, available in a wide gamut of colors, shapes, size, and textures. Sempervivums are natives of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean islands, and grow at an altitude of 3000 - 8000 ft above sea level in their natural habitat. Some sempervivums produce star-shaped flowers in pink, red, or yellow and typically bloom in summer. Sempervivum is a hardy and versatile succulent that adds an exotic, colorful touch to any container garden.

There are many varieties of aloe vera, a popular medicinal plant that is also a showy succulent that can play a starring role in a container garden. A popular favorite for this purpose is the Blizzard Aloe, which displays white streaks over upward-growing plump, green, triangular-shaped leaves lined with thorns along the edges. Choose smaller aloes as border plants, or place larger ones at the back or in the center of your arrangement.